DRDO’s NSTL Developed New Generation MP-AUVs for Mine Warfare

Current Context: On 15 Nov 2025, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam unveiled new generation MP‑AUVs (Man‑Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles).

• These vehicles are designed for Mine Countermeasure (MCM) warfare, detecting, classifying, and neutralizing naval mines.
• They are man‑portable, lightweight, and equipped with Side Scan Sonar (SSS) and underwater cameras.
• Powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning (DL) algorithms, they autonomously identify mine‑like objects.
• A robust Underwater Acoustic Communication System (UACS) enables coordination among multiple AUVs.
• Developed with support from other DRDO labs like Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL), Research Centre Imarat (RCI), and High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL).

Question:

Q.1 Which organisation unveiled the new generation Man-Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (MP-AUVs) on 15 November 2025?
a) Indian Navy
b) National Institute of Ocean Technology
c) Defence Research and Development Organisation’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory
d) Bharat Electronics Limited

Answer: c) Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)’s Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), Visakhapatnam unveiled new generation MP‑AUVs (Man‑Portable Autonomous Underwater Vehicles).